How e-challans work
In several Pakistani cities, traffic violations are now recorded by Safe City cameras and an electronic ticket (e-challan) is issued against the vehicle's registration, rather than a traffic warden stopping you. Common violations include running a red light, speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, using a phone while driving, and riding without a helmet.
Because the challan follows the number plate, the registered owner is responsible for paying it, whoever was driving. It is worth checking for pending challans regularly, especially before selling or transferring a vehicle.
Punjab (Lahore and other Safe City cities)
E-challans in Punjab are issued by the Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA).
How to check
- Go to the official PSCA e-challan portal at echallan.psca.gop.pk.
- Enter your vehicle plate number in the format shown on the page, for example ABC 1234 or ABC-24-1234.
- Enter the CNIC of the registered owner, 13 digits without dashes, or the vehicle's chassis number.
- Search to see any pending challans, with the violation, date and amount.
You can also use the PSCA Public Safety App, available on Google Play and the App Store, to check challans and download copies.
How to pay
PSCA challans can be paid through a wide range of channels, including:
- Mobile and internet banking apps of participating banks
- ATMs of participating banks
- Over the counter at participating bank branches
- Mobile wallets such as JazzCash and Easypaisa
Use the challan number (or payment reference) shown on your challan when paying. Pay within the deadline on the ticket, generally 10 days, to avoid further penalties.
How to dispute a wrong challan
If a challan is wrong, for example the plate was misread or the vehicle was not yours, PSCA provides an online review facility. Sign in on the portal, submit the review form, and upload your evidence. Challans found to be incorrect are cancelled.
Islamabad
E-challans in the capital are issued by the Islamabad Capital Territory Police through Safe City Islamabad.
How to check
Visit the official Islamabad Police website (islamabadpolice.gov.pk) and use its e-challan verification service, entering your vehicle registration number. Vehicles registered in other provinces are also covered, as Safe City Islamabad has linked up with provincial excise departments.
How to pay and dispute
Payment options announced by Islamabad Police include the JazzCash app and JS Bank's wallet, among others listed on the verification page. If you believe a challan is wrong, you can request a review with the camera evidence at the ICT Police counter at the Pakistan Asaan Khidmat Centre.
Karachi (Sindh)
Karachi introduced a faceless e-ticketing system under its Safe City project in late 2025.
How it works
- Violations are recorded by cameras, and the challan is sent by post to the address linked to the number plate in the Sindh Excise and Taxation Department records.
- Keeping your vehicle's registered address up to date is therefore important, or you may not receive the notice.
- Vehicles with a long record of unpaid challans have been blacklisted in the provincial database.
How to check and pay
Use only the official channels published by Sindh Police and Karachi Traffic Police, and the payment details printed on your challan. Officials have warned about fake SMS messages impersonating the traffic helpline, so do not pay through links in text messages.
Avoid challan scams
Fake challan texts are common across the country. They usually include a link to a payment page that steals card or wallet details.
- Never pay through a link in an SMS or WhatsApp message.
- Check the challan yourself on the official portal or app for your city.
- Pay through your own bank or wallet app, using the challan number.
- Never share one-time codes or your wallet PIN with anyone who calls about a fine.
Our guides to spotting scam texts and staying safe with digital payments explain the common tricks.
Tips to avoid challans in the first place
- Wear your seatbelt, and a helmet on a motorcycle, including passengers where required.
- Stop fully at red lights and stop lines. Cameras record the stop line, not just the junction.
- Keep to speed limits, which are camera-enforced on many main roads.
- Do not use your phone while driving.
- Make sure your number plate is clean, legible and the official standard design, because unreadable or fancy plates can themselves lead to penalties.
Portals, payment partners and procedures change. Always confirm details on the official website of the authority for your city before paying.